The Crimson Tide overcame a flat second half in the final 34 minutes, overpowering Vanderbilt. The sluggish first half was understandable. The powerhouse finish was needed for a team with national championship ambitions.

Key moment

The Tide turned to its 2-minute offense on its final possession of the first half, going 78 yards and scoring on an AJ McCarron alley-oop to DeAndrew White in the back of the end zone. The only question, which Nick Saban posed to his quarterback: Why didn't McCarron run with nothing but grass in front of him instead of throwing it up for grabs?

Three stars

AJ McCarron. The Alabama quarterback had the best game of his career in every category, from completions (23) to touchdowns (four).

Mark Barron. He led Alabama with six tackles, two so jarring you could hear bones rattling from the press box.

Dee Milliner. The Tide cornerback stepped in front of a Vanderbilt receiver for his second pick of the season, returning it 37 yards to set up an easy score.

Where he'd come from?

Freshman DeAndrew White may have a future with Anthony Grant after catching two touchdown passes, including the jump ball in the end zone.

Rough day

Vanderbilt quarterback and former Alabama Mr. Football Larry Smith looked more like former VU great Eric Jones in the first half before suffering a lower leg injury and leaving in place of backup Jordan Rodgers.

Call of the day

Alabama was struggling on offense and facing a third-and-13 near midfield late in the first half when Marquis Maze discovered a seam in the Vanderbilt zone, where McCarron hit him in stride. The 29-yard gain ignited the Tide's second scoring drive and kicked off the rout.

What fans are saying

How long is it until Nov. 5th? Everyone's ready for the Game of the Millennium. But two more games and an off date stand in Alabama's way before the showdown with No. 1 LSU.

Looking ahead

Next Saturday, the Crimson Tide heads to Oxford to take on Ole Miss, which had a bye this week. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. and an ESPN2 telecast.